Vice President JD Vance is no stranger to controversy, and this past week was no exception.
In a matter of days, he managed to grab national headlines — first with a sharp-tongued joke at a high-profile event in Washington, D.C., and then with bold comments on judicial authority and immigration policy that have ignited debate across the political spectrum.
A Black-Tie Joke That Raised Eyebrows
The first moment that stirred reactions came during an event hosted by American Compass, a conservative think tank known for advocating working-class-focused policies.
The black-tie gathering brought together several high-profile figures in right-leaning intellectual and political circles. Vance was introduced by Oren Cass, the group’s founder and a former policy adviser to Mitt Romney.
Cass warmly referred to Vance as an “intellectual” and noted that he had once contributed to National Review, a respected conservative magazine.
Vance’s response was… less than warm.
“I come here and you insult me,” he said, clearly with sarcasm. “You call me an intellectual, remind me that I wrote for the National Review — what an a**hole this guy is!”
The room erupted in laughter. Even Cass took the jab in stride and joked back, “To be fair, I also wrote for National Review.”
The exchange was lighthearted, but it revealed something deeper: Vance’s growing reputation for speaking bluntly, often straddling the line between candor and combativeness — even among allies.
JD Vance: “I come here for free and you insult me. You call me an intellectual, remind me that I wrote for National Review — what an a**hole this guy is!”pic.twitter.com/U6cKhAF0SU
— (news) DOGE (@DOGE__news) June 4, 2025
Sharpening His Message on Immigration and the Courts
If his joke at American Compass raised eyebrows, his next set of remarks — delivered in a serious tone — raised far more.
Appearing on the podcast Interesting Times, Vance took aim at what he sees as judicial overreach, especially in matters of immigration.
He specifically called out Chief Justice John Roberts’ long-held view that the courts play a key role in checking the power of the executive branch.
Vance, however, believes that courts are now acting less like a check and more like an obstacle.
“Let the People Have What They Voted For”
Vance’s core argument was simple, but controversial.
“You cannot have a country where the American people keep on electing immigration enforcement,” he said, “and the courts tell the American people they’re not allowed to have what they voted for.”
In his view, the judicial system has overstepped. He’s concerned that federal judges are too often halting or overturning immigration policies that were enacted through the democratic process.
Supporters of his position say he’s expressing frustration shared by many Americans — that the will of voters is being second-guessed or blocked entirely by unelected judges.
Where Does Due Process End?
Vance also waded into murkier territory when he spoke about due process rights for undocumented immigrants.
He acknowledged that “some process is due” under American law, but he argued that how much is owed remains a legitimate question.
Legal scholars have long debated the rights of non-citizens under the Constitution, particularly in immigration courts.
Vance’s comments didn’t offer a clear policy proposal, but they clearly signal a willingness to challenge current interpretations and push for a more executive-led approach.
Supporters Say He’s Cutting Through the Fog
Among his base, Vance’s comments are seen as refreshingly direct.
Many conservative voters have grown increasingly frustrated with a judiciary they perceive as too liberal or too slow to support strict immigration enforcement.
They believe Vance is voicing what many Republican lawmakers only hint at — that a more muscular executive branch is needed to defend U.S. borders.
Some commentators praised Vance for “saying the quiet part out loud.”
Critics Warn of a Slippery Slope
But critics argue that Vance is treading dangerously close to undermining judicial independence.
They say his remarks suggest the courts should play a lesser role in interpreting the Constitution, particularly when it comes to human rights and legal protections for immigrants.
Legal analysts note that limiting due process protections — even for non-citizens — could have lasting consequences on the rule of law.
Some also see his comments as part of a broader strategy by the Trump-Vance administration to consolidate power in the executive branch ahead of the 2024 election season.
A Vice President Who Doesn’t Shy Away from a Fight
JD Vance has been vice president for less than a year, but he’s already carving out a very different profile from past occupants of the office.
Where others might stick to carefully worded speeches and ceremonial appearances, Vance is taking on major issues head-on — and not shying away from conflict.
From immigration to the role of the courts, he is positioning himself as a direct, unapologetic voice for the conservative base.
That may endear him to voters who crave authenticity. But it also opens him up to fierce criticism from legal scholars, civil rights advocates, and political opponents.
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